EPL: Chelsea vs Liverpool Preview

Chelsea host Liverpool in a crucial encounter on Sunday, with the Blues looking to add more pressure on the Merseyside club as they aim to gatecrash the top four.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are third in the Premier League with six points ahead of Antonio Conte’s men who sit in fifth, but the Reds have played a game more.

If the Blues beat Liverpool and win their game in hand against Huddersfield at the Bridge next Wednesday, it would set up a nail-biting final day battle with Chelsea travelling to Newcastle while the Reds host Brighton at Anfield on the final day of the season.

*Please note that this article was written prior to Liverpool’s second leg Champions League semi-final tie against Roma on 2 May.

If the Blues beat Liverpool and win their game in hand against Huddersfield at the Bridge next Wednesday, it would set up a nail-biting final day battle with Chelsea travelling to Newcastle while the Reds host Brighton at Anfield on the final day of the season.

Conte’s side have been impressive in recent weeks, putting together a four-match winning streak. The Blues have beaten Southampton twice (in the league and FA Cup) and won at Burnley and Swansea. Chelsea will be looking to continue their impressive form against Liverpool to keep their top four hopes alive.

But the Blues have failed to beat the Reds in the last six Premier League meetings – three under Conte. In fact, the Italian’s first defeat in England was against Liverpool, a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge in September 2016. Conte’s side had performed much better at Anfield but had to settle for a point as Diego Costa’s missed penalty saw the game end with one goal apiece. The Blues earned another 1-1 draw at Anfield earlier this season thanks to Willian's cross-shot five minutes from time. Conte will be desperate to improve his personal record against Klopp.

The Blues boss will be delighted to have Marcos Alonso back in the side after the Spaniard served a three-match suspension. Alonso has scored seven goals and provided four assists for the Blues in all competitions this season and has earned himself a place in the PFA Team of the Year.

Liverpool

Liverpool have drawn back-to-back matches in the Premier League against relegation-threatened sides West Brom and Stoke City, allowing Chelsea the opportunity to get back into the race for the top four. The Reds have had their minds on the UEFA Champions League where they are aiming to become the first English side to win Europe's top prize since Chelsea won it in 2012.

Despite dropping four points in their last two outings, Liverpool are still well placed to claim a top-four finish in the Premier League. Due to their vastly superior goal difference, even if they were to lose to Conte’s side, a win against Brighton on the final day of the season would seal fourth spot. However, Liverpool would prefer to dash Chelsea’s hopes and wrap up the top four quickly. Klopp’s side have won both of their last two trips to Stamford Bridge and will be confident of leaving west London with maximum points.

Mohamed Salah has been in blistering form this season on his return to England and has netted 43 goals in all competitions so far, 31 of them coming in the Premier League. The Egyptian’s efforts has earned him the PFA Player of the Year award. Salah is an absolute nightmare for defenders and he’ll be extra motivated to return to Stamford Bridge.

Verdict: Liverpool Win & Both Teams to Score (47/10)This is a must-win game for both sides and we should be in for an absolute cracker. Chelsea are in good form but they’ve struggled in their recent matches at home. I think Klopp’s side will be on top of their game and they’ll want to seal their place in the top four. I’m going for Liverpool to Win & Both Teams to Score.

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